Protecting device



Feb 1934 H. E. NORVIEL PROTECTING DEVICE Filed Feb. 9, 1931 INVENTOR BY Harry 6: A/orw'eZ 14;. ATTORNEYS Y 6 Patented Feb. 6, 1934 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE PROTECTING DEVICE Application February 9,

3 Claims.

' This invention relates to a cover protecting device for a switch mechanism protecting the terminal connections thereof.

One object of the present invention is to provide a cover or inclosure that is of simple structure, and which may be manufactured. at a minimum cost.

Another object is to provide a cover that can be easily removed without special tools, so as to inspect the terminal connections 01 a switch without disturbing the relative association.

Another object is to provide a cover that will protect the terminal connections during storms and other conditions.

Another object is to supply means to eliminate short circuit while an operator is working with tools in the vicinity of switch mechanism.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description, reference being had to the accompanying drawing wherein a preferred embodiment of one form of the present invention is clearly shown.

In the drawing:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary side elevation of a steering column assembly to which the cover embodying the present invention in one form is attached.

Fig. 2 is a sectional view partly in elevation illustrating the assembly of parts.

Fig. 3 is a sectional View taken on the line 3-3 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is an end view looking in the direction of the arrow 4 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a top plan view of the cover embodying the present invention looking in the direction of arrow 5 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken of the line 6-6 of Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is a sectional view taken on the line 7-7 of Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a sectional view taken on the line 8--8 of Fig. 7.

Referring to the drawing, indicates a gear housing portion of a steering column, that may be secured to the frame of an automobile structure in any suitable manner. The housing 20 terminates in a flange or supporting rib 21, to which a switch structure may be secured. Within the coliunn 20 and at the axis thereof, a switch control rod 22 is provided that terminates at the hub of the steering wheel in a controller (not shown). At the lower end of the steering column, a switch device 23 is secured as illustrated in Fig. 1, by a bolt 24 passing through an apertured ear 25 of a bracket 26, and through the 1931. Serial No. 514,493

flange 21 and held in alignment with the control rod 22 by a nut 27.

Secured to the bracket 26 is a housing 30 of the switch device 23, inclosing switch mechanisms shown partly in cross section in Fig. 2. The invention is not concerned with the inner details of the switch mechanism, and it will not therefore be discussed. The switch housing 30 has a bottom wall 31 that may be secured to the bracket 7 26 in any desired manner, such as spot welding or otherwise. The housing 30 has a peripheral flange 32 to which is secured a switch base or back 33, that supports the usual terminal connectors 34. The base is provided with indents or notches 35 on one or more sides of the switch 7 back.

A cover 36 of cup-shaped formation, is provided with side walls 37 and 38, a front wall 39, a back wall 40 and a top wall 41. The walls 37, 33 and 40 of the cover terminate on three edges of one open side, with inward directed flanges 47. The edges of the walls 37 and 38 are deformed with the flanges 47 substantially U-shaped in cross section forming grooves or channels 44 and 45, respectively, to provide a guideway or track for the base 33, or other suitable support. The front wall 39 is cut away to expose the grooves 44 and 45, so as to slide the cover 36 over the switch base 33. The grooves 44 and 45, respectively, are provided with ribsor deformations 50 transverse of the channels 44 and 45. The ribs 50 yieldingly engage the notches 35 of the base 33 for holding the cover 36 when it has been moved into position upon the base 33. The edges of the wall 39 that surround the cut away portion above the channels 44 and 45 are curled over as at 42 to provide an opening with a smooth surface to protect the outer surface of conductors 43 leading to the terminals 34 mounted on the base 33 and prevent them from chafing through engagement with the cover edge. Due to the resiliency in the side walls 3'7 and 38, the sliding fit of the base 33 Within the grooves 44 and 45, and the ribs 50 engaging the recesses 35, the cover is held firmly upon the back 33 by which noise or rattles are reduced to a minimum, and a storm proof inclosure is provided.

The cover 36 is so designed that it will completely inclose all the terminal connections on the back 33 to provide a protection for the terminals against deteriorating effects in the changes in weather conditions, and eliminates possible short circuits when the operator is using tools in the vicinity of the switch mechanlsm.

While the form of embodiment of the present invention as herein disclosed, constitutes a preferred form, it is to be understood that other forms might be adopted, all coming within the scope of the claims which follow.

What is claimed is as follows:

1. In a protecting device, the combination comprising; a switch base supporting a plurality of terminals; a cover having a top wall and side walls, said side walls terminating in an open side with inwardly directing flanges with two opposing walls provided with grooves; a wall cut away forming an opening to expose the grooves in parallel opposition to receive the switch base, said grooves holding the top wall at a distance above said base to form a chamber and permitting leads to extend through said opening; and means in the grooves for yieldingly engaging the base to hold the cover in position.

2. In a protecting device, the combination comprising; a switch base supporting a plurality oi terminals, said base being provided with notches on its edges; a cover having a top wall and side walls, said side walls terminating in an open side with inwardly directing flanges with opposing walls having U-shaped channels; a Wall cut away forming an opening to exhibit the U-shaped channels in parallel opposition to receive the switch base, said channels adapted to engage slldably the edges of said base to position said top wall above said base to form a chamber to allow leads to pass through said opening; and ribs transverse of the U-shaped channels to yieldingly hold the cover when in position.

3. In a protecting device, the combination comprising; a, supporting plate with recesses on its edges; a cover having a top wall and side walls, said side walls terminating in an open side with inwardly directing flanges; a number of said side walls having grooves; a wall having a portion removed forming an opening to display the grooves to receive the plate, said grooves adapted to engage the edges of said plate to separate the top wall from said plate permitting leads to pass through said opening; and means in the grooves for yieldingly engaging the notches of the plate to retain the cover in position.

4. A cover comprising a top wall, side walls extending therefrom, grooves formed in certain side walls in opposed relation, said grooves adapted to be arranged in substantially parallelism and to fit slidably over a terminal support to separate the top wall from same forming a chamber; a rear wall having means to engage said support to limit the sliding movements in one direction of said cover upon said support; a front wall being open to expose said grooves in parallel opposition and permit the passage of conductors from said chambers through said opening; and means in said grooves to hold yieldingly the cover in place.

5. In a protecting device, the combination comprising; a support with recesses on its edges; a cover having an open side provided with opposed channels at the edges thereof whereby the edges of support will extend into said channels when the cover is in operative position, said channels holding said cover in an upright position for enclosing a terminal in the sup port and preventing axial movement of said cover with respect to the support; and means in the channels for yieldingly engaging the recesses to retain the cover in position.

6. In a protective device, the combination comprising; a support with recesses on its edges; a cover having an open side and having opposed grooves whereby the open side may be held in an upright position upon said support for enclosing a terminal thereon, and having an opening in a side wall to expose said grooves in parallel opposition allowing said cover to fit slidably over the support to prevent axial movement of said cover with respect to the support, and means in the grooves for yieldingly engaging the recesses to retain the cover in position.

HARRY E. NORVIEL. 

